News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2009

2010 Trout Fishing Opportunities Await Anglers at State's Castalia Fish Hatchery
Applications may be made online at wildohio.com

COLUMBUS, OH - Controlled trout-fishing opportunities on Cold Creek, one of Ohio’s most unique streams, again await fishing enthusiasts who enter a special lottery conducted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

A half-mile section of the creek, located at the Castalia State Fish Hatchery in Erie County, will again be open to a limited number of anglers on selected dates between March 29 and October 29 next year.  Anglers interested in fishing the stream must submit an application form and a non-refundable $5 application fee between December 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010 in order to be eligible for the random drawing. Application forms can be obtained by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE. Save money by applying online for only $3 per application. 

Only one application is allowed per person.  Application information can be obtained from the ODNR Division of Wildlife Web site wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

There will be two seasons: one for adults (March 29 through June 3 and August 23 through October 29), and one for youths age 16 and under (June 7 through August 20).  Approximately 90 adult and 50 youth permits will be issued.  Individuals selected to participate will be allowed to bring two adults and three youths under the age of 16 (no more than six people total).  Participation is determined by a computer-generated random drawing, which is held in early March.  Successful applicants will be notified by mail of their fishing dates.  Applicants not chosen will not be notified.

Special fishing rules will be in effect for this event to ensure that a quality fishing experience is maintained throughout the season. One of these special rules prohibits catch-and-release fishing, with wildlife officials requiring that anglers keep all fish they catch. The daily bag limit will be five trout per angler.

Anglers will be required to check in at the hatchery upon arrival and check out at the end of their session. Fishing sessions will be open from 7 a.m. to noon. Anglers age 16 and older will need a valid 2010 Ohio fishing license.

An Ohio resident annual fishing license costs $19; a one-day fishing license costs $11. Those who purchase a one-day fishing license may later return it to a license agent to receive credit toward purchase of an annual fishing license.

Apply Now!